The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1887-11-09
Young Peoples Societies of Chris
tian EndeavOr.

The second annual convention of Ver-
mont Young Peoples Societies of Christian
Endeavor was held in St. Albans last week
Tuesday and Wednesday. The first meet
ing was social half-hour, after which the
delegates were welcomed by Mr. II. f.
Bentley in behalf of the st. Adams societies,
President Perkins of the state organization
responding for the visitors. The report of
the secretary showed that there are now
sixty-tive societies in the state-twenty-hv
more than there were one year ago-and in
the forty-seven societies reporting there is
an aggregate membership of 2,3l1. Six So
cieties report more associate than active
members and three have no associate men,
bers. Nine societies are composed of men,
bers from different churches. The Con-
gregational Christian Endeavor Society of
ST. Adams leads the rest in membership,
twenty-four associate. The work generally
throughout the state is tlourishing and en-
couraging results have been attained. Tues
day evening telegram from the president
of the Connecticut Christian Endeavor
Union at Hartford was read, extending
fraternal greetings to the Vermont organiza-
ton. The convention Immediately au-
thorized President Perkins to send the
greetings of this convention to the Con-
necticut Union and also to the New York
State Endeavor Societies, in session at
Rochester. Forcible addresses were made
by DR.. Hawes of Burlington and DR.. Lam
son of st. Johnsbury Wednesday morn
ing and afternoon We're mainly devoted to
discussions OF vital and practical questions,
to reports from the Saratoga convention, to
the "question-boX and to the necessary
business of the convention. This included
the report of the committee on resolutions,
which was accepted by rising vote. 1t
recognized the divine seal of favor as set
upon these societies for the spiritual profit
of the young, urged personal and persistent
LII. 81
ice of all members to the work in hand and
returned thanks to the Christian Endeavor
Societies of st. Albans, TO the people of
the village for the hospitable welcome ac-
corded the delegates and to the Congrega-
tional people for the use of their church.
The committee on finance reported, rec
ommending a contribution to the conven-
ton treasury from each society of an amount
equal to four cents per member to defray
expenses. This was accepted. The report
of the committee on nominations, which
was also accepted, was as follows: For
president Rev. j. L. Sewall of Milton; vice
presidents, Rev. S. l. Briant of Hartford
Rev. Mr. Robbins of North Ferrisburgh and
Rev, George A. Smith of st. Albans; secre-
tary and treasurer, +. j. Burdick of Bur
lington. telegram OF greeting from the
Rochester convention was read. In the
evening, after short service of song, Presi-
dent Sewall introduced " the pastors half
hour " and called for five-minute speeches
in testimony concerning the help received
from the Christian Endeavor Society by
Rev. Messrs Harris of South Hero, Swim
merton of Plainfeld, Robbins of North Fer
risburgh, Fiske of Waitshed, Briant of Hart
ford and Peters of West Randolph. Ad-
dresses were given by Rev. Mr.. MacColl
and Rev. Mr. Smith of st. Adams and Presi-
dent Sewall, and the retiring president,
Professor Perkins, spoke closing words, ex-
pressing deep pleasure at the success of the
meetings, emphasizing the gratitude of the
convention for the manner in which its
members had been entertained and predict
ing continued growth in membership and
power for this branch of Christian work.